Château La Sauvageonne

Acquired in November 2011, Château la Sauvageonne is located north-west of Montpellier. It is a legend thanks to its long history. Wines of exceptional and unique character are produced here. At an altitude of 300 metres on the Larzac terraces, this estate has an unrivalled view set in a landscape which has been influenced by the region’s volcanic past. In 2013 Château la Sauvageonne achieved its conversion to biodynamic status.

Château la Sauvageonne is the most recent of Gérard Bertrand’s acquisitions. Bought in November 2011, the Château is situated north-west of Montpellier, near the village of Saint-Jean-de-Blaquière and a stone’s throw from the Causse du Larzac.

This Château is a legendary site. Its orientation, its situation and its exceptional terroir give it a unique character. Fabulous wines are produced from this great terroir: reds, whites, rosés.

At an altitude of 300 meters, the landscape is heavily influenced by the region’s volcanic past. The red colours are reminiscent of North America’s Grand Canyon and lend a volcanic aspect to the surroundings. The rocks of the subsoil have been transformed by the heat of the lava. Traces of ancient volcanic activity are visible in several places: Cap d’Agde (an old volcano crater) or the basalt columns of Salagou which are only a few kilometres from the property.

The soil consists of stones derived from sandstone or schist for the first 30 centimetres and then a layer of clay. The acidity of the soil is reflected in the vegetation which is scrubland. The subsoil of the region is rich in water and aluminium or bauxite. The ‘ruffe’ rocks which comprise much of the soil of the plots are very rich in minerals. In this terroir, there are ancient olive trees and the name “Blaquières“ means “banquette“ or raised bed, on which the olive trees were planted.

The climate is relatively damp due to the rains which come from the Larzac plateau and which regularly fall on the estate’s plots. This combination of high temperatures and regular rainfall allows the Grenache to develop perfectly and to reach full ripeness every year.

If Château la Sauvageonne was a colour: red, because of its volcanic history

If Château la Sauvageonne was a person: an adventurer, independent and free like Indiana Jones.

“It’s a show, a place which leaves you wide-eyed. It’s grandiose and wild."

Cédric Lecareux, Gérard Bertrand's estates Director

The soils are based on three types of rock, sandstone, schist and ‘ruffe’. The region’s subsoil is rich in water and also in aluminium or bauxite. The ‘ruffe’ which predominates in many of the plots is very rich in minerals. The climate is hot and humid.